Somali Factions in Battle

Published: November 6, 1996

MOGADISHU, Somalia, Nov. 5—
Two rival factions battled in southern Mogadishu today, leaving at least nine people dead, including three residents of a refugee camp.

The fighting broke out a day after the leaders of Somalia's three rival factions -- Hussein Aidid, Ali Mahdi Mohammed and Osman Hassan Ali -- named mediators for peace talks.

A militia leader loyal to the Ali Mahdi faction accused Mr. Aidid's forces of starting the battle, which apparently began when Mr. Aidid's forces tried to avenge the death of his father, Gen. Mohammed Farah Aidid.